A young mum-of-two told by doctors to “start planning her own funeral” says she is not ready to give up on life.

Brave Gabrielle Challis, from Ramsgate, has been battling brain cancer for more than half her life, having been diagnosed at the age of just 11.

Following a recent MRI scan, the 23-year-old - who is partially paralysed after undergoing 10 operations - was told the cancer has spread.

She has now launched a fundraising appeal to help her “try other options that the NHS can’t and won’t provide”.

“Since the age of 11 years old, I have battled cancer,” she said.

“I have had countless brain operations. I’ve also had chemotherapy and radiotherapy when I was younger.”

Ms Challis, who is mum to Kai, three, and two-year-old Oscar, described the devastating impact the cancer has had on her body.

“I am partly paralysed down my left-side from the operations,” she continued.

“My recent MRI that I had on March 18 has shown that the cancer has spread more on my brain.”

Doctors thought Ms Challis had a recurrent ependymoma, which is a type of brain tumour.

But her consultant has now said it is a rare form of cancer which they cannot put a name to.

“Being told at the age of 23 years old to start planning my own funeral, no one should have to be told or go through,” she said.

“But it’s the harsh reality I - as a daughter, a mother and a partner - have to face. Me and Matthew, my partner of six years, are devastated.”

Ms Challis has asked how long she may have left, but because of how much the tumour has grown, medics are unable to give her a timescale.

“I’m only 23 and I’m not ready to give up on life,” she added.

“I’m going to give everything I can before I let cancer take me.

“Due to the chemotherapy, I’m partly deaf in my left ear and sensitive to loud noises in my right. But if that is the price to pay to stay alive, then I’m happy with it.”

Ms Challis has launched a GoFundMe to raise cash for her treatment, including for CBD oil which is derived from the cannabis plant.

She has set a target of £600 for a 40-week cycle of the treatment as well as to explore other options she says the NHS cannot and do not provide.

But she now says the money may have to go towards funeral costs.

“I will be grateful for any little help because, as a mum, a daughter and a partner, I am not ready to let cancer beat me,” she added.

To support Gabrielle, visit the GoFundMe page here